After the inauguration of Jaipur metro early this month, Chennai joins metro connectivity cities of India today (Monday). Chennai Metro rail began services at noon today.

The first metro train left Alalndur station at 12.14pm and reached Koyambedu at 12.35pm.. The minimum fare for the 10-km ride is Rs. 10. Initially, there will be nine rakes running between Koyambedu and Alandur with a frequency of about 10 minutes. The trains will halt for 30 seconds in each station.

Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa inaugurated the project through a video conference. Four years after work began; Chennai joins Kolkata, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Jaipur to have metro connectivity. The launch was initially planned for October last year.

Each Chennai Metro rail train, running now at 35 km/hour speed, can carry about 1,200 people. It will cover seven stations in the stretch. The seven stations are: Koyambedu, Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus, Arumbakkam, Vadapalani, Ashok Nagar, Ekkattuthangal and Alandur.

The two corridors of Phase-1 of Chennai Metro Rail will cost the state Rs. 16,500 crore and will cover a 45-km stretch in the city. Corridor 1 is between Washermanpet and the airport and corridor 2 from Chennai Central to St. Thomas Mount.